Pneumatically sealable flood panel assembly

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a flood panel assembly for installation in doorways and other access openings of buildings to improve water-tight integrity under moderate flood conditions. The invention is applicable particularly to stone or concrete structures, such as factory buildings which are substantially water-tight except at limited doorways and other access openings. The apparatus of the invention includes a conversion frame, arranged for permanent installation in the access opening. A flood panel of suitable height for the conditions expected is removably positioned in the conversion frame. The flood panel has an air-inflatable sealing element extending along its side and bottom edges. After initial positioning of the flood panel in the conversion frame, the sealing element is inflated, completely sealing off the access opening.

United States Patent Carlson PNEUMATICALLY SEALABLE' FLOOD PANELASSEMBLY [52] US. Cl 49/477, 49/465, 49/466, 61/28 [51] Int. Cl. E06b7/18, EOSc 21/02 [58] Field of Search 49/477, 466, 465, 463; 160/215;61/29, 28, 22 A [5 6] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 3,096,8167/1963 Peters.... 160/215 2,683,354 7/1954 Harza i 61/28 980,535 l/19llKleinegger.... 49/465 X 1,536,525 5/1925 Plath i 49/466 X 3,161,22912/1964 Sanders 49/477 X 3,507,974 4/1970 Inventor:

Assignee:

Filed:

Edward Ronald Carlson, New

Fairfield, Conn.

The Presray Corporation, Pawling,

Dec. 7, 1972 Appl. No.: 312,921

Clark et al. 49/477 X Primary Examiner-Mervin Stein AssistantExaminer-Philip C. Kannan Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Mandeville andSchweitzer ABSTRACT The disclosure relates to a flood panel assembly forinstallation in doorways and other access openings of buildings toimprove water-tight integrity under moderate flood conditions. Theinvention is applicable particularly to stone or concrete structures,such as factory buildings which are substantially water-tight except atlimited doorways and other access openings.

The apparatus of the invention includes a conversion frame, arranged forpermanent installation in the access opening. A flood panel of suitableheight for the conditions expected is removably positioned in theconversion frame. The flood panel has an air-inflatable sealing elementextending along its side and bottom edges. After initial positioning ofthe flood panel in the conversion frame, the sealing element isinflated, completely sealing off the access opening.

9 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENTEMmmM 37961310 SHEEI 1 OF 4 TH 'T IPATENTEBIAMZIQM 3196010 sum 2 or 4 I PATENTEDIARIZIQN 3796010 sum Q'UF 4PNEUMATICALLY SEALABLE FLOOD PANEL ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OFTHE INVENTION In locations subject to flooding from over-flowing riversand/or heavy rain accumulations, it is usual for factory buildings andother structures in low-lying areas to be inundated by the flood waters.In many such cases, the level of the flood waters in the building maynot be especially high, yet the damage caused can be very extensive. Ina factory building, for example, a flood water inundation of even a fewinches may cause massive damage to valuable machinery, electric motors,electronic controls, etc.

Modern factory and office buildings frequently are of concrete, stone orbrick construction, such that the walls of the structure havesubstantial integrity against water inundation. However, the doors andother access openings to such buildings provide such a ready path forthe inflow of flood waters that inundation will be expected underflooding conditions. The present invention provides a relativelysimplified and yet wholly effective standby apparatus, which can bequickly installed at the access openings of an otherwise relativelywater-tight structure, to completely seal off the access openingsagainst the entry of flood waters. The apparatus of the inventioncomprises two principal parts, a conversion frame structure permanentlyinstalled in the access opening, and a removable panel arranged to bequickly inserted in the conversion frame and arranged to establish awater-tight association therewith.

In accordance with the invention, the removable flood panel is providedabout its effective edges with an inflatable, flexible sealing element,which is normally in a deflated condition. When the flood panel isinstalled in the conversion frame, it is initially locked in position bymechanical means, providing a uniform clearance space around theoperative edges. Thereafter, the sealing element is inflated, therebycausing it to expand and thus be brought into tight, sealing relationwith the confronting surfaces of the conversion frame.

Typically, the conversion frame and flood panel will be designed toprovide a seal along two side edges and the bottom edge of the floodpanel, to provide a barrier for the lower portion of an access opening.Consistent with the teachings of the invention, however, the conversionframe and flood panel may be constructed to provide sealing about theentire periphery of the panel, to provide for complete sealing ofsmaller openings, such as windows, for example.

For a better understanding of the invention and its various features andadvantages, reference should be made to the following detaileddescription and to the accompanying drawing.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of astructure having an access opening and incorporating the flood panelassembly of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary front elevational view of thecomplete flood panel assembly of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlarged, cross-sectional views taken generally alonglines 3-3 and 4-4, respectively, of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary view illustrating details of theapparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG.5.

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are enlarged, fragmentary crosssectional views takengenerally along lines 7-7, 8-8 and 9-9, respectively, of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generallyalong line 1010 of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawing, andinitially to FIG. 1 thereof, the reference numeral 10 designates thewall of a typical commercial structure, such as a factory or officebuilding. The floor of the structure is designated by the numeral 11,and the structure has an access opening 12 which, in the illustratedinstance, comprises outwardly swinging double doors l3, 14. The accessopening 12 is of conventional construction and configuration, andtypically provides a pair of inwardly facing surfaces 15 inside of thedoors.

In the illustration of FIG. 1, a complete flood panel assembly 16according to the invention is shown secured in the lower portion of theaccess opening, inside of the doors 13, 14. To advantage, when the doorsopen outwardly, the flood panel assembly 16 is mounted on the inside.This permits the doors to be opened and closed while the flood panelassembly is in position, which normally is desirable.

In accordance with the invention, the flood panel assembly 16 comprisesa conversion frame generally designated by the numeral 17 and aremovable panel generally designated by the numeral 18. The conversionframe 17 is arranged to be permanently secured in the buildingstructure, whereas the panel 18 can be removed and stored when it is notneeded.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the illustrated conversion frame 17 is ofgenerally U-shaped configuration, comprising vertical strip sections 1 9at each side, a horizontal strip section 20 along the bottom, andarcuate strip sections 21 at each corner connecting the respectivevertical and horizontal sections 19 and 20. At each corner, theconversion frame 17 is provided with corner fillets 22 including cornerplates 23 and flange strips 24, 25. The strips 19-21 and 24, 25typically are wide, flat strips of metal, together forming aneffectively continuous flat sealing surface along the inside of theconversion frame.

In accordance with the invention, the U-shaped conversion frame ispermanently secured in place in the access opening 12 as by a pluralityof bolts 26 and recessed screws 27 (FIGS. 8 and 9), and suitablecaulking or grouting 28 (see FIG. 4) is provided between the conversionframe and the building structure to provide a permanent, effective waterseal therebetween.

At the corners, the conversion frame provides for generously roundedsealing surfaces, although the access opening itself may present a rightangle corner configuration. In this respect, the conversion frame for adoor opening is desirably on the side of the door opposite that towardwhich the door swings in opening, since otherwise the arcuate cornerstructure of the conversion frame could interfere with normal doormovement. This will, of course, depend upon the particular configurationof the access opening and its normal closure facility and can be readilyascertained by a person skilled in the art.

At selected locations about the periphery of the conversion frame, thereare provided apertured sockets 29 (see FIG. 7) for the reception oflocking pins 30 to be more fully described. Typically, the grouting 28and the wall structure 10 of the building may also be recessed, as at31, to receive the projecting end of the locking The panel member 18 ofthe flood panel assembly comprises a large, flat sheet metal panel plate32, of a general shape and size to correspond to the interiorconfiguration of the conversion frame, with ample clearance between theplate edges and the conversion frame. The lower portion of the panelstructure is strengthened by means of a strip 33 extending laterallyfrom the panel in both directions and forming a stiffening flange. Anangle section 34 extends transversely across one face of the plate atthe upper extremities of the flange strip 33, to impart rigidity to thepanel in this region.

Extending about the sides, corners and bottom edges of the plate is achannel section 25. The channel section is suitably secured to thepanel, as by welding, and provides an outwardly facing recess 36 aboutthe operative periphery (sides and bottom, in the illustratedembodiment) of the panel assembly 18. The dimensions of the plate 32 andchannel 35 are such that, when the panel is properly positioned in theconversion frame, a narrow clearance space is provided between theflange extremities 37 of the channel and the sealing surfaces of theconversion frame. Typically, such clearance may be on the order ofone-quarter inch.

Secured within the channel 35 is a pneumatically expandable sealingelement 38, which is sealed at its opposite ends and extends about theentire length of the channel. The sealing element 38 has a hollow,tubular outer portion 39, which is integrally joined by a narrow neck 40with a transverse flange portion 41. To great advantage, the sealingstrip is fabric reinforced, to provide strength and dimensionalstability. The sealing element is secured in position in the channel 35by means of pins 42 (see FIGS. 9 and 10), which project alternatelyinward from opposite flanges 43, 44 of the channel. The arrangement ofalternately projecting pins greatly facilitates the installation of thesealing element, as described more fully in my prior US. Pat. No.3,397,490.

As reflected in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, for example, the inflatable sealingelement 38 in its deflated or retracted condition is of relatively flatcross section and is contained more or less completely within theconfines of the channel member 35. Upon expansion of the element underinternal air pressure, however, the element assumes a more circularcross section and thus expands outwardly, bringing outer surfaceportions thereof into firm, sealing contact with the exposed sealingsurfaces of the conversion frame. Control of the inflation of thesealing element 38 may be accomplished by any suitable means. Toadvantage, however, the plate 32 is provided at one side with an opening45 sealed off by a well 46. The opening 45 receives a section of tubing47 extending from the sealing element and connected to a manifold block48. Also connected to the manifold block 48 are an inlet valve 49, amanually operated discharge valve 50, and a pressure gauge 51. Inflationof the sealing element is effected by closing the valve 50 andconnecting the inlet valve fitting 49 to a source of air under pressure.The sealing element is inflated to a suitable pressure, as reflected bythe gauge 51.

For proper initial positioning of the panel assembly 18, mechanicalmeans are provided to rigidly locate the panel both vertically andhorizontally with respect to the conversion frame. To great advantage,the mechanical means includes a pair of lifting handles 52 in the formof L-shaped rods secured at one end 53 in a flange strip 54 extendingacross the top of the plate 32 and at the other end by the end extremityof the channel 35 in conjunction with a small welded gusset plate 55. Asreflected particularly in FIG. 2, the upper outer end extremities 56 ofthe handles 52 project slightly outward, beyond the channel flanges, andoverlie the upper end extremities of the conversion frame sections 19.Appropriate recesses 57 (FIG. 3) are provided in the upper extremitiesof the conversion frame to receive the outer ends of the handles, in themanner reflected in FIG. 2. Thus, when the panel assembly 18 is grippedby the handles and lowered into place in the conversion frame, the panelassembly initially will be suspended by the handles. The outer endextremities 56 of the handles also will serve to position thepanellaterally.

After the panel assembly is initially suspended and positioned by itshandles 52, it is locked in place at a plurality of locations about itsperiphery by suitable means such as the L-shaped locking pins 30previously mentioned. Typically, a plurality of such pins 30 are keptconveniently in a rack formed by openings 58 in the upper flange strip54 (FIG. 5) and in an angle member 59. The locking pins may be in theform of bent rod, tapered at one end 60 and provided with shoulder meansformed by a suitable locking ring 61 received in an annular groove 62.

At appropriate locations about the periphery of the panel assembly,there are welded or otherwise secured bearing blocks 63, disposedopposite the apertured sockets 29 in the conversion frame. Thus, whenthe panel is installed in its initial position, suspended by the handles52, the several locking pins may be inserted through the bearing blocks63 and into the sockets 29 of the conversion frame, to rigidly lock thepanel assembly and conversion frame together in predetermined, evenlyspaced relationship. The number and location of mechanical lockingdevices will, of course, be a function of the physical dimensions of thecomponents.

In accordance with the invention, inflation of the sealing element 38 isnot commenced until the panel assembly has been mechanically positionedin the conversion frame in a manner to provide for substantially uniformexpansion of the sealing element 38 as it establishes sealing contactwith the conversion frame. This assures an effective seal'about theentire sealing periphery, particularly in the corner regions.

The new flood panel assembly can be used to great advantage inconjunction with factory and office buildings which are otherwise ofrelatively waterproof construction to provide practical and effectivesealing of the various access openings. The assembly is adaptedespecially for such structures which are located in lowlying areassusceptible to moderate flooding conditions from time to time.

In accordance with the invention, effective temporary sealing of accessopenings is made possible by the cooperative sealing association of aremovable panel assembly and a conversion frame, The conversion frame,although constructed specifically for association with a given panelassembly, is installed as a permanent part of the building structure,enabling the panel itself to be quickly and easily installed whenneeded. The conversion frame is easily installed and is inconspicuous.

It should be understood, of course, that the specific form of theinvention herein illustrated and described is intended to berepresentative only, as many changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the clear teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly,reference should be made to the following appended claims in determiningthe full scope of the invention.

I claim:

l. A flood panel assembly or the like adapted for installation indoorways'and other access openings of factory and office buildings andother structures, comprisa. a conversion frame adapted for permanentinstallation in an existing access opening of generally rectangularoutline,

b. said conversion frame having upstanding side walls and a bottom wall,

c. the bottom and side walls of said conversion frame forming aneffectively uninterrupted sealing surface about at least the lowerregions of said access opening and providing arcuate sealing surfaces inthe region of the lower corners of the access opend. a panel memberadapted for removable reception in said conversion frame and providing abarrier wall in said access opening,

e. an inflatable sealing element carried by the panel memberand'extending about at least its sides and bottom,

f. said sealing element being expandable under inflation pressure toseal off the clearance space between the panel and the conversion frame,and

g. mechanical positioning means provided on at least one of said frameor panel for effecting initial proper positioning of the panel prior toinflation of said sealing element,

h. said mechanical positioning means including means extending laterallyfrom the upper portion of the panel and engageable by upper end portionsof the conversion frame.

2. A flood panel assembly according to claim 1, further characterized bya. the laterally extending means comprise portions of panel liftinghandles at each side of the panel.

3. A flood panel assembly according to claim 1, further characterized bya. the mechanical positioning means comprising a plurality of lockingelements engageable with said panel and said conversion frame at spacedlocations.

4. A flood panel assembly for structures having one or more accessopenings of generally rectangular outline and otherwise havingreasonable water-tight integrity in the lower wall structure, whichcomprises a. a conversion frame having flat, strip-like sections formingbottom and side sealing surfaces,

b. said conversion frame being closely received in the lower portion ofthe access opening and permanently secured therein in substantiallysealed relation,

c. the lower corner portions of said frame forming arcuate sealingsurfaces in the region of the angular lower corners of the accessopening,

cl. a panel receivable in the embrace of the conversion frame,

c. said panel carrying an inflatable sealing element about its side andbottom edges,

f. positioning means interengaging the frame and panel for initiallysupporting the panel in predetermined spaced relation to the frame,

g. said sealing element being expandable into sealing engagement withthe sealing surfaces of said conversion frame.

5. The flood panel assembly of claim 4, further characterized by a. saidconversion frame including flllet means sealing the corner areas betweenthe frame and access opening.

6. The flood panel assembly of claim 4, further characterized by a. aneffectively continuous channel element being rigidly secured to the sideand bottom edges of the panel member,

b. said sealing element being seated within said channel and normallyrecessed within the side flanges thereof when deflated.

7. The flood panel assembly of claim 4, further characterized by a. saidpositioning means supporting said panel to provide a substantiallyuniform space between the inner wall of the channel and the sealingsurface of the conversion frame.

8. The flood panel assembly of claim 7, further characterized by a. thepositioning means includes laterally projecting portions of liftinghandles on the panel member and cooperating recess means formed at theupper ends of the conversion frame.

9. The flood panel assembly of claim 7, further characterized by a. thepositioning means includes a plurality of retractable locking pinsengageable with the panel and frame at spaced locations.

1. A flood panel assembly or the like adapted for installation indoorways and other access openings of factory and office buildings andother structures, comprising a. a conversion frame adapted for permanentinstallation in an existing access opening of generally rectangularoutline, b. said conversion frame having upstanding side walls and abottom wall, c. the bottom and side walls of said conversion frameforming an effectively uninterrupted sealing surface about at least thelower regions of said access opening and providing arcuate sealingsurfaces in the region of the lower corners of the access opening, d. apanel member adapted for removable reception in said conversion frameand providing a barrier wall in said access opening, e. an inflatablesealing element carried by the panel member and extending about at leastits sides and bottom, f. said sealing element being expandable underinflation pressure to seal off the clearance space between the panel andthe conversion frame, and g. mechanical positioning means provided on atleast one of said frame or panel for effecting initial properpositioning of the panel prior to inflation of said sealing element, h.said mechanical positioning means including means extending laterallyfrom the upper portion of the panel and engageable by upper end portionsof the conversion frame.
 2. A flood panel assembly according to claim 1,further characterized by a. the laterally extending means compriseportions of panel lifting handles at each side of the panel.
 3. A floodpanel assembly according to claim 1, further characterized by a. themechanical positioning means comprising a plurality of locking elementsengageable with said panel and said conversion frame at spacedlocations.
 4. A flood panel assembly for structures having one or moreaccess openings of generally rectangular outline and otherwise havingreasonable water-tight integrity in the lower wall structure, whichcomprises a. a conversion frame having flat, strip-like sections formingbottom and side sealing surfaces, b. said conversion frame being closelyreceived in the lower portion of the access opening and permanentlysecured therein in substantially sealed relation, c. the lower cornerportions of said frame forming arcuate sealing surfaces in the region ofthe angular lower corners of the access opening, d. a panel receivablein the embrace of the conversion frame, e. said panel carrying aninflatable sealing element about its side and bottom edges, f.positioning means interengaging the frame and panel for initiallysupporting the panel in predetermined spaced relation to the frame, g.said sealing element being expandable into sealing engagement with thesealing surfaces of said conversion frame.
 5. The flood panel assemblyof claim 4, further characterized by a. said conversion frame includingfillet means sealing the corner areas between the frame and accessopening.
 6. The flood panel assembly of claim 4, further characterizedby a. an effectively continuous channel element being rigidly secured tothe side and bottom edges of the panel member, b. said sealing elementbeing seated within said channel and normally recessed within the sideflanges thereof when deflated.
 7. The flood panel assembly of claim 4,further characterized by a. said positioning means supporting said panelto provide a substantially uniform space between the inner wall of thechannel and the sealing surface of the conversion frame.
 8. The floodpanel assembly of claim 7, further characterized by a. the positioningmeans includes laterally projecting portions of lifting handles on thepanel member and cooperating recess means formed at the upper ends ofthe conversion frame.
 9. The flood panel assembly of claim 7, furthercharacterized by a. the positioning means includes a plurality ofretractable locking pins engageable with the panel and frame at spacedlocations.